'Passion of the Christ' actor to share his story in Jackson

James Faulkner is Paul and Jim Caviezel is Luke in "Paul, Apostle of Christ."

Jim Caviezel will speak Sept. 7 at Jackson's Thalia Mara Hall about his life and faith. Caviezel is best known for his 2004 movie role as Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ."(Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

Story Highlights

Jim Caviezel will speak in Jackson on Sept. 7. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Jim Caviezel, known for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ” and his role on the CBS television series “Person of Interest,” will speak in Jackson on Sept. 7.

Caviezel’s appearance is to help support programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Jackson. Caviezel is Catholic.

John Lunardini, COO at Catholic Charities, said in a statement: “For any fans of ‘The Passion’ or Jim’s other films, they are in for a treat. We are even more excited to bring his message to people of all faiths and denominations.”

“That’s one thing we want to emphasize,” Catholic Charities Development Director Michael Thomas told the Clarion Ledger. “This is a non-denominational event. It crosses all religions and has one message — simply that we need to be good to one another.”

Catholic Charities’ mission statement is “to be a visible sign of Christ’s love by helping those who are unable to help themselves; the poor and vulnerable, especially children, women, and families.”

A press release said Catholic Charities helped more than 20,000 Mississippians in 65 counties in 2017; 85 percent of those served were non-Catholic.

About Caviezel

Caviezel, 49, is a native of Mt. Vernon, Washington. He recently played the role of gospel writer Luke in the movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ.”

After catching Hollywood’s eye with his appearance in the 1998 World War II film “The Thin Red Line,” Caviezel became a household name for his work in “The Passion.”

“The Passion” is the top-grossing R-rated film in North America history ($370.8 million). It focused on the final 12 hours of Christ’s life.

Caviezel and his wife, Kerri, adopted three children from China who were battling cancer.

Caviezel has traveled the world to share the story of his life.

“He spoke in Chicago not long ago and I read that 10,000 college students showed up,” Thomas said. “We’ve been working to get him to Jackson for the past six months.

“I want people to hear his story. I think they will walk away saying, 'I can make life better for my community with the talents I have.'”

Caviezel told Christian Broadcasting Network in March that his faith has protected him from the trappings of Hollywood life — including drugs.

“I think it would have been a matter of time before I started that bad habit and gone to the wrong places (but) I had enough wisdom from the faith I already had (to know) that’s not going to make me happy,” he told CBN, adding that he has been “forced into the arms of God” throughout his career.

“The spirit is real important, because it helps you motivate your mental capabilities and also your physical capabilities,” he said. “I came into the business (and) Jesus carried me like a little lamb.”

'Passion' sequel coming

Caviezel said in a January interview with USA TODAY that he is on board with a sequel to “The Passion” — again directed by Mel Gibson.

"There are things that I cannot say that will shock the audience," Caviezel said. "It's great. Stay tuned.

"I won’t tell you how (Gibson is) going to go about it. But I’ll tell you this much: The film he’s going to do is going to be the biggest film in history. It’s that good."

If you go

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7

Where: Thalia Mara Hall, 255 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson

Tickets: $25-$100. About 100 tickets for $250 each include a meet and greet with Caviezel. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and at the Thalia Mara Hall ticket office.